Superhero and Mamelodi Sundowns fan Siboniso Masango has replied back with humility to the worldwide football audience for responding kindly to his display of ubuntu, saving the life of a soccer fan during a CAF Champions League match.
A fight broke out amongst the fans of both teams at the end of the quarterfinal encounter between Mamelodi Sundowns and Esperance at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday, which saw some being treated with serious injuries.
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In pictures and videos that surfaced on social media after the game, a touching gesture caught attention, where a Sundowns fan was seen assisting an Esperance fan dangling and hanging on for dear life on one of the railings, unable to climb to safety.
Turned out the good Samaritan, who eventually got his fellow football lover to safety after considerable efforts from both, is one Siboniso Masango, a fervent supporter of Masandawana.
KickOff.com sat down with him as he shares how he managed to save the life of the Tunisian soccer fan.
Messages are coming all over the world, people love what you did at Loftus on Tuesday, saving the life of a Tunisian soccer fan. We salute you. How are you taking it all in?
I will be lying… it's not enough to describe it. Initially, I went home after the incident, I lived life as normal. It was after all the messages and people calling me and also seeing the videos that (I realised) things could have been worse.
When you approached the fan to hold his hand to save his life, what went through your mind?
When I first saw him, nothing came to my mind, the only thing I thought was that I needed to help him. That's the only thing that came through my mind. It was only when I was holding his hand, with him telling me, 'Don't let it go, I have kids and family, please don't let it go', it was only then that I realised it was serious. I looked at his eyes, he was pleading and begging for his life, 'Don't let go'.
What do you think contributed to the violent scenes?
I think it was a communication breakdown between the supporters of the two teams. This is because, at full-time, the Esperance fans started damaging the property and tearing the Sundowns banner. The Sundowns supporters then approached them and waved hands, asking them to stop. They thought Sundowns fans were coming with aggression, they didn't respond by talking but responded by fighting. I think a lack of communication caused the fight and everything that happened at the stadium.
Obviously you support Sundowns, right?
Born and bred in Mamelodi, Sundowns all the way!
Which player did you grew up idolizing?
Surprise Moriri.
Why?
Because he plays the same position that I play. Surprise is the first player in South Africa to invent the false number nine position in South Africa.
Do you think your team will win the Champions League this season?
I think Sundowns will reach the final. They must take one step further. I am not sure if they will win it, but they will reach the final.
So, what do you do for a living?
I run a hospitality business with my dad at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
What can you say to photographer Samuel Shivambu, who captured the touching images of you desperately trying to save a life?
First of all, well done to him. He captured a very important moment in world football, not only in South Africa. It was an important moment.
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Personally, I want to thank him because he captured a special moment in my life. I will treasure it for the rest of my life.
Your message to fans attending games at the stadiums…
I would say to the fans, we all love our teams, no matter what, we are human beings first. Sport must unite us and not divide us.